"That's all very well, sir, but when you fetched up at the doctor's house after all this joy-riding, weren't you a bit surprised to find it was only five-to-five by your watch?"
"It didn't signify. I did not take count of the time. Perhaps I was a little surprised, but what matter?"
"When did you discover that your watch was wrong?"
"Later. When I came back to this house."
"Oh you did, did you, sir? Then why did you tell Inspector Cook nothing about it? Why didn't you tell him what you've just told me?"
The Prince flung out his hand. "But put yourself in my place! What a situation! What horror did I find here! I have done nothing, I am innocent! Must I say then that when Mr. Carter was murdered I have no alibi? It is not reasonable! It is folly! I see that it will be better not to divulge the truth."
"Well, that may be your idea of what's best, but it's not mine!" said the Inspector.
"Ah, you do not understand! You do not appreciate the predicament in which I find myself !. Of what use to tell the police of the truth? It is not helpful; it will only confuse them, for I know nothing of the murder. It is clear to me, moreover, that it will lead to much unpleasantness if I speak the truth. It is more comfortable, much wiser, to tell a little lie. You cannot blame me for that!"
"Well, that's where you're mistaken, sir, because if this story of yours is true, you've acted very wrongly."
"Ah, you are blind, stupid! You have no imagination, no understanding! What does it matter where I may be at the time of this murder? Ask, instead, where was Mr. Steel? Where was Miss Cliffe? Did I not say you would become confused if it was known that I have not an alibi? Or is it because I am not English that you desire to make a case against me? Yes, I perceive what is in your mind! You say to yourself, "This man is a foreigner, therefore I do not trust him."'